Machine for making fasteners



l Jun 10, 1941. F, D, BANNING A I 2,244,667

MACHINE FOR MAKING FASTENERS A TTORNEYS.

June 10, 1941. F. D. BANNING MACHINE FOR MAKIG FASTENERS Filed sept. 22, 1937 v 9 sheets-sheet 2 (215 WML ,e 5

4 JNVENTOR. Frederic/ D. Bann BY M447# M1@ ATTORNEYS June 10, 1941. r.- D. BANNxNG 2,244,667

. MACHINE FOR MAKING FASTENERS y Filed Sept. 22, 1937 9 Sheets-Sheet 3 fil' 'H INVENTOIE. K Emeric/ D Banning BY @www A TT ORNEYS.

Jue1o,1941. ,E D BANNING 2,244,667

MACHINE FOR MAKING FASTENERS Filed Sept. 22, 1957 9 Sheets-Sheet 4 I Frederic/v BBa/zlzifzg A TTORNEYS.

June 10,v 1941. F. D. BANNING n 2,244,667

MACHINE FOR MAKIING FASTENERS Filed sept.' 22, 1937 9 sheets-sheerl s n n INVENTo/z. Frederzc/cHBan/zzrzg ATTORNEYS.

June l0, 1941. F. D. BANNING MACHINE FOR MAKING FASTENERS- 3 Filed sept. 22.1931 7 s sheets-Sheet e kElly! P.F.,.Hlr

w 'ATTORNEYS INVENTOR.

l). Banning BY June l0, 1941.

F. D. BANNING 2,244,667 MACHINE FOR MAKING FASTENERS Fileid sept. v22. 1957 9 sheets-sheet 'r IN V EN TOR.

Frederik/z: D. almllg BY A TT ORNE YS.

F. BANN|NG 2,244,667 MACHINE FOR MAKING FAsTENERs l )June I0,

9 Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed Sepll. 22., 1937 ma. M .NB n m n e dv. 6B n 2 :E

A N .Lw L 6 June 1o, 1941. F. D. BANNING' 2,244,667

` MACHINE FOR MAKING FASTENERS` Filed Sept. 22, 1937 9 sheets-sheet s I Fig' Q 16:5 135 F17 2B. 191 190 y 185 19a 17071162'3 156 if w80 776' f e Q l Z4@ 151 r /g @D $0 59 197 5 158 v l 1g FV 18 umnv 156 13 195 Fig 32.

mVENToR. Fredrickllarmirzg A TTORNEYS.

Patented June 10, 1941 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE MACHINE FOR MAKING FASTENERS Frederick Dunlevy Banning, Cleveland, Ohio, assignor to Talon, Inc., a corporation of Pennsylvania Application September 22, 1937,Scrial No. 165,089

16 Claims.

vwhich is dependable and eiiicient, which is simple and easy to operate, which requires a mini-.

mum of servicing and which is capable of continuous operation over long periods of time. Other objects will be apparent as the nature of the invention is more fully disclosed.

In one embodiment the machine includes a hopper having means to orient and feed the individual fastener elements, a setting mechanism which positions the elements in predetermined spaced relationship on a tape, and clampingy mechanism for clamping the elements to said tape. Mechanism is also provided to periodically interrupt the operation of the setting mechanism and to advance the tape so as to separate the elements into groups, each containing a given number of elements.

The machine also includes a counter for controlling the number of elements in each group and mechanism for preventing actuation of the counter when no fastener element is present in the setting mechanism, whereby the required number of elements will be set in each group regardless of anyirregularity in the feed of the elements to the setting mechanism. The machine may be provided with electrical control means whereby the above details of operation are automatically carried out.

Various other features of the invention con-4 sist in the details'of construction and combinations of parts hereinafter more fully set forth.

One embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of the machine;

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section taken on line 2 2 of Fig. 1 showing the path of the tape through the machine;

Fig. 3 is a wiring diagram illustrating the electrical control circuits;

Fig'. 4 is a horizontal section taken on line 4 4 of Fig. 2 showing the drive shafts and pull mechanism;

Fig. 5 is a transverse section taken on line 5 5 of Fig. 2' showing the setting mechanism;

Fig. 6 is a vertical section through the setting mechanism;

Fig. '7 is a transvcrse'secton taken on line 1 1 -of'Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is a detail view ofa cam roller for clamping the elements on the tape;

Fig.:9 is a section taken on line 9 9 of Fig. 10 showing the vtwo cam rollers in operating position;

Fig. 10 is a section taken on line I0- I 0 of Fig. l

showing the pull mechanism for advancing the tape:

Fig. 11 is a detail view showing a fastener .element with jaws distended:

Fig. 12 is a detail view showing a fastener element with jaws clamped upon the tape;

Fig. 13is a side elevation of the orienting and feed mechanism;

Fig. 14 is a section taken on line I4-l4 of Fig. 13, showing a fastener element in position for feeding to the screw conveyor;

Fig. 15 is a section taken on line I5 |5 of Fig. 14;

Fig. 16 is a section taken on line lli-I6 of Fig.

13 showing a fastener element in position to drop into the discard hopper;

Fig. 17 is a section taken on line Il ll of Fig.' 16;

Figs. 18, 19, 20 and 21 are sectionstaken on lines l8 l8, i9 l9, 2U 2li, and 2l 2l, respec tively, of Fig. 13;

Fig. 22 is a section taken on line 22-22 of Fig. 21;

Fig. 23 is a section taken on line 2:# 23 of Fig. 22';

Fig. 24 'is a detail view of a modified form of orienting roller;

Fig.4 25 is a detail view of the manual release mechanism;

Fig. 26 is a section taken on line 26 26 of Fig. 25;

Fig. 27 is a front elevation of the counting device;

Fig. 28 is a section taken on line 28-28 Fig. 27

Fig. 29 is a detail view of a portion of the counting mechanism;

Fig. 30 is a detail view of a portion of the mechanism of Fig. 29 in a different operating position;

Fig. 31 is a plan view of the counting mechanism; and

Fig. 32 is a detail view of the central bearing by which the counting mechanism is supported.

Certain specific terms are used herein for convenience in referring to various details of the invention. The terms, however, are to be given as broad an interpretation as the state of the art will permit.`

` Referring particularly to the embodimentof termined position on the strip material such as a tape or stringer 1 having a corded edge 1a (Figs. 11 and 12). 'I'he setting mechanism is shown in Figs. 2 and 6 as including a setting nger 6 which is adapted to pick the individual elements from the feed chute 4 and to set said elements over the corded edge la of the tape 1. 'I'he fastener elements may comprise a pair of jaws 8 which extend on opposite sides of the corded edge 1a as illustrated in Fig. 11 and a fastening section 9 which is stamped to form a head I on one side (Figs.l l1 and 14) and a corresponding recess on the opposite side. The successive alternate elements on adjoining tapes or ,stringere are interlocked by a slider in a manne well known in the art.

The elements, after being'positioned as shown in Fig. 11, are clamped firmly upon the corded edge 1a by a pair of cam rollers i2 which are mounted on opposite sides of the element in a position to engage and clamp the same for the above purpose (Figs. 9, 10 and 12).

After each element has been set and clamped on the tape, the tape is fed a predetermined distance corresponding to the spacing between adjacent fastener elements by a presser foot i3 (Fig. 2). Y

For advancing the tape. as for example between groups of elements, a pull roll I4 (Fig. 4), is; provided which continuously rotates and which causes the tape to advance when the tape is pressed thereagainst by an idler roll i5 which is controlled through suitable linkage by a magnet IB hereinafter termed the pull' magnet.

In order to prevent the setting mechanism from operating while the tape is beingadvanced in response to the operation of pull magnet I6, a lockout mechanism is provided including a lockout solenoid I8 (Figs. 3y and 5) which is adapted, when energized, to prevent operation of the setting mechanism.

. Suitable counting mechanism 20 (Figs. 1, 27

and 32) is provided for counting the number of elements which are set upon the tape and for closing a contact after a given number have been set to thereby operate suitable relays for energizing the pull magnet I6 and the lockout solenoid I8 so as to cause the tapeto be advanced a given amoimt prior to the attachment Aoi! the next group of elements. Referring to the detailed construction of the The roll 2 may be provided with a set of re'- tractable blades 3B which are pressed outwardly,

they are passing the back plate 21 of the hopper.

They are released, however, and spring outward- 1y while they are passing the front plate 25. In this position they will engage any fastener elements which may have been turned with their heads i@ toward the front plate 25, thereby forcing said elements upwardly into the hopper and permitting them to again fall downwardly and to be nally oriented by the roll 2.

The roll 2 may be provided with oppositely inclined grooves a as shown in Fig. 24 which cause the fastener elements to oscillate in the hopper, or, if desired, the roll may be provided with grooves 35, as shown in Figs. 1 and 13, which extend in the form of a helix about said roll and progressively feed the elements until they drop past the roll and onto the screw conveyor 3. The particular form of grooves may be changed as desired. In the embodiment disclosed, the roll Vitself tends to agitate the elemachine, hopper I may include a front plate 25,

preferably of glass, a back plate 21, and side plates 40. The elements fall against the front plate 25 as they are oriented by means ofthe orienting roll 2 (Figs. 1 and 13 to 23). The hopper may also contain a sloping plate 26 to prevent the,

elementsirom being carried around by the rotating roll 2 into a position where they can wedge between the rolland the back plate 21 of the hopper. The roll 2 maybe' mounted upon ashaft 28 carried in suitable bearings 29 and having secured thereto a worm gear 3|! cooperating with a. worm drive 3l to which power may be supplied in any convenient manner, not shown.

The roll 2 is provided with a plurality of pments so as to assist in the orientation thereof. If suflicient agitation is effected by means of the blades 36 it is obvious that circular and disconnected grooves could be formed in the roll or, if sulcient agitationis attained by means of the grooves, the blades 36 could be omitted. The embodiment disclosed, however, has been found to operate satisfactorily and to orient the fastener elements without permitting any of the elements to become clogged or jammed or to otherwise interfere with the operation of the machine.

The elements which are oriented as above described and pass the roll 2, slide downwardly along the front plate 25 to the screw conveyor 3. 'I'hey are prevented .by positioning plate 4I from passing the screw conveyor and are heldwith their heads I0 pointed toward the conveyor until the head has engaged a helical groove 42 formed in the conveyor, after which Ithe elements are fed axially by the helical groove 42 until they reach the discharge end 43 of the screw conveyor 3.

The conveyor 3 is also iprovided with a wide helical groove 44 which extends'between the separate convolutions of the feed groove 42 and lsof sufficient size to permit any fastener elements whose heads are not properly seated in the groove 42 to drop pastthe positioning plate 4I into a discard hopper 45. This prevents such elements from clogging the machine or passing to the discharge end 4 3 of the cnveyor 3. Obviously the elements may be collected from the discard ripheral grooves 35 which are adapted to receive the heads I0 ofthe fastener elements. The roll.

is positioned with respect to the front plate 25 so that the jaws 8 of the fastener elements can pass between the surface of the roll and the plate but the heads I0 are prevented from passing the roll except' when they fall into one of the grooves 35. in which case suflicient clearance is provided to permit the element to fall past the roll 2.

hopper 45 and returned therefrom to the supply hopper I as desired.

The screw conveyor 3 may be mounted on members 46 which may be carried upon asu-pporting plate 41 forming an extension of the back plate 21 of the hopper. The plate 41 may be carried upon a pedestal 48 which is mounted upon the base 49,, of the machine in any convenient manner.

Power may be supplied to the screw conveyor 3 by a pulley 5| and a belt 52, which may be actuated by any convenient source of power, not shown. l

The positioning plate 4I extends axially of the screw conveyor 3 in a position to engage' fasis adapted to cause longitudinal movement of the plate 4| for the above purpose.

The feed chute 4 -is provided with a channel 51 which is of a cross-section adapted to receive the fastener elements and is positioned to receive elements discharged from the discharge end 43 of the conveyor 3. A cover plate 58 may be carried by the plate 4| in va position to cover the front of the channel 51 of the feed chute 4 so as to conne the fastener elements therein. The cover plate 56, however, is movable with the positioning plate 4| so that the channel 51 may be exposed when desired to permit manual removal of any fastener element which may have become improperly positioned therein. The plate 58 may be provided with a recess 60 at its upper end which is adapted to provide clearance for manually removing the fastener elements from the top of the channel 51 when the positioning plate 4| has been moved a short distance by means of the lever 56. This permits the top of the channel 51 to be cleared. If a fastener element becomes stuck further down, the lever 56 may be operated a greater distance to remove the entire Plate 56 from in front of' the channel 51, whereby the channel is exposed for the above purpose. The feed chute 4 may be twisted a half a revolution so as to reverse the position of the fastener elements when they reach the bottom of the chute as indicated in Fig. 20.

Referring to Figs. 2 and 5 to 7, it is noted that the chute 4 ends in a position adjacent the tape 1 to which the fastener elements are to be attached. A spring pressed nger 65 is provided in the' lower end of said chute to engage the lower fastener element and to prevent the elements from falling out of the, chute until they are forcibly removed therefrom by thesetting finger 6.

The setting finger 6 is adapted to engage the topof the lower element in the chute 4 and to extend between the jaws 8 of the element next above. This nger 6 is pivotally mounted in a carriage 6-6 which is adapted to slide vertically in a channel 61 in a xed plate 68. For causing vertical movement of the carriage 66 there is provided an arm 10 which may be pivoted to said carriage as at 1| and is pivotally mounted as at 12 upon the frame 13 of the machine.u The arm 10 is provided with aroller 14 adapted to engage a cam 15 by which oscillatory movement is imparted to the carriage 66. A plunger 18 pressed outwardly |by a spring 11 which may be carried in a housing 18, likewise secured to the frame 13, is adapted to hold the arm 10 in a downward position against the cam 15. A knife linkage 19 may be interposed 'between the plunger 16 and the arm 10 to' reduce the friction of said arm and to permit free movement thereof.

The finger 6 is provided with a shoulder 80 which is adapted to be engaged by a pawl 8| for retracting the finger from the feed chute 4 during the upward stroke of the carriage 65. During the downward stroke the nger 6 is held4 by a flat spring 82 in position to engage the Afas tener elements as above mentioned,the pawl 8|' being movable about its pivot 83 to permit the shoulder 8.0 to pass in its downward stroke. A spring 84 is adapted to maintain the pawl 8| in position to engage the shoulder in its upward stroke. A

The above described setting mechanism operates to pick out the lower fastener element from the feed chute 4 and to push the same downwardly until it is seated over the edge 1a of the tape 1 in the position shown in Fig. 11. During this downward stroke of the nger 6 the spring pressed finger 85 engages the next fastener element to prevent same from falling out of the chute 4. The finger 65, however, is suiiciently resilient so as not to interfere with the setting ofpthe lower fastener element by the finger 6.

`Upon the upward stroke of the carriage 66 the nger 6 is retracted until it passes the top of the fastener element resting upon the finger 65.

Referring to Fig. 5, it will be noted that when the carriage 66 is in its lowerEposition with the finger 6 resting upon the top of the fastener element which has just been set upon the tape 1, the roller 14 is spacedsomewhat from the cam 15. This spacing of the roller permits the arm 10 to reach a somewhat lower position when a fastener element is missing, that is, a position in which the finger 6 substantially engages the top ofthe tape 1. When this happens a contact 88 carried by the `arm 10 is caused to engage a stationary contact 89\which is mounted upon the frame 13 of the machine and is adapted to control suitable relays, to be described, for preventing operation of the counting mechanism. The arm.10 is also provided with a shoulder 90 ,adapted to engage a pawl 9| which is pivoted as at 92 to the frame 13 of the machine so as to lock the arm 10 in its upper position. Pawl 9| is normally held out of engagement with the shoulder 90 of the arm 10 .'by means 'of a spring 93 secured to the frame 13. It may be operated, however, by a plunger 94 which is controlled by the lockout solenoid I8 so as to bring the pawl 9| into engagement with the shoulder 90 when the solenoid I8 is energized land thereby lock the arm 10 in its upper position so as to interrupt further operation of the setting mechanism until the lockout solenoid I8 is again de-energized. The lockout solenoid i8 is energized by suitable relays to be described, controlled by the counting mechanism 20.

The clamping mechanism is illustrated in Figs. 4, 8 and 9 as comprising a pair of cam rollers I2 mounted upon shafts 99 which are journalled in suitable bearings |00 and carry driven gears |0| meshing with driving gears |02 (Fig. 5) which are carried by a driving shaft |03. The rollers |2 include positioning flanges |05 which are adapted to extend between adjacent fastener elements for properly spacingthe element which has just been set. The flange |05 tapers, as'at |06 (Fig. 8) toward its forward end so as to provide clearance to permit it to |be inserted between succes-y sive fastener elements for the above purpose. The rollers |'2 also include cams |01A which are adapted to progressively press the jaws 8 of the fastener elements so as to close said jaws from the position shown in Fig. 11 and to cause 'said jaws to vfirmly engage 'and clamp the edge 1a of the tape 1 as shown in Fig. 12. The cams |01 are so positioned with respect to the flange |05 and with respect to the setting mechanism so that space is provided to receive the fastener `element from the setting mechanism on its downward stroke and so that the element is clamped about fixedv sleeve |3|. The Worm gear |35 rmly against the tape during the upward stroke of the setting mechanism.

After the elements have been setand clamped as above described, the tape l is fed to a position to receive the next element `by means of the presser foot i3 (Fig. 2) which is carried by an arm liti normallyheld in retracted position'by4 a spring and carrying a roller ||2 engaging a cam H3 mounted upon the shaft it (Fig. 5). The presser` foot |3 saddles the tape freely and is adapted to abut against the last said element to advance the tape for spacing between adjacent elements. The cam M3 is so timed as to advancethe tape while the :linger t of the setting mechanism is elevated and while the cams itl In order to keep the tape advancing regularly and without slack occurring between the presser foot |3 and the rolls l0 and l5 which are described later on in more detail, there is provided a slotted guide 22| as shown best in Figs. 9 to 12 inclusive. This guide supports the tape i with the ends of the fastener element legs slidably bearing against its top surface and maintains the tape in alignment between the presser foot it and `rolls It and l as thepresser foot advances the tape.

For intermittently advancing the tape a longer distance, a continuously rotating pull roll it (Figs. 4 and 10) is provided which is mounted on a shaft ll (Fig. 5) carrying a driven gearliit cooperating with a worm il? carried by the driving 'shaft |03. The pull roll M is continuously operated as long as power is suppliedto the machine by the driving shaft |03. The idler roll it is loosely mounted on a pin |26 which is carried eccentrically in a shaft |2| (Figs. 4, 5 and 110)l which may be supported by the frame of theI machine in any convenient manner. A link |22 is connected to the shaft |2| as by a pin |23 in `a position to cause rotating of said shaft and for thereby bringing the roll I5 into engagement with the tape 1. The roll I5 thus presses the tape against the pull roll I4 and the tape is advanced until the idler roll l5 is again retracted. For operating the link I 22 there -isprovided a rod |24 (Figs. 2 and 10) which is normally held by a spring |25 in position to retract the roll 5 from engagement with the tape. 'I'he rod |24 isvare disengaged from the element. The cam` ii@ meshes with a. worm drive |31 which is carried ber |39 aving a slot |40 adapted to be engaged by a k y iti (Fig. 5) formed upon the end of a shaft M2 which is journalled in the frame 13 and carries a gear |63 meshing with a spur gear |44 which is attached to the driving shaft |03.

The rotating sleeve |33 also carries a ratchet wheel itt provided with ratchet teeth M9 around its periphery.. The ratchet wheel we may be provided with a central aperture |569 to provide access tothe bearings |36, which aperture may be covered/by a xed plate |5|.

A hollow shaft |55 may be journalled in the bearings itt. This shaft |55 may have an arm it@ Journalled thereon. Said arm |56 may be provided with a hub |58 to which is attached one end ci a coil spring ld, the other end of said spring being secured to a fixed drum |60 which is mounted on a standard |B| carried by the base plate |3t. A cap |62 may be provided for closing the drum |60 so as to shield the spring |59.

A lever |65 is pivotally attached to the end of the arm mit as by a pivot |66. The lever |65` carries a pawl |611 having a pair of lips |68 and of a spring il@ Awhich is anchored to a lug formed on the arm itt.

For controlling the position of the pawl itl there isI provided a push rod Ht which is pivotally connected to the pawl as at ildextends through a suitable bearing in the lug and enters a bore im in the hub it of the arm |55. The end of the rod il@ engages a lever ill which l is pivoted as at il@ to the hub |58 and is controlled by a plunger |719 which is journalled in the hollow shaft |55. A spring it@ is adapted to normally hold the v-pawl'in such position that the, lip it@ engages the ratchet teeth M9. The

arrangement is such that when 'the push rod |14 is elevated Slightly the pawl Hdl rotates about its pivot, thereby releasing the lip |69 from the ratchet teeth |49, and bringing the lip |68 into engagement therewith as shown in Fig. 29. When the rod iM is again lowered the lip |69 is again broughtA into engagement with the ratchet teeth, the'raising and lowering of the lever in the above described manner causing the connected by a set of levers |26 to the arma- -plate |30 carries'. a xed sleeve |3| which ,isl

rlgidly'secured thereto as by4 screws |32 and carries on its outer surface a 'rotating sleeve I Il and on its inner surface bearings |34. The rotat- 4ing sleeved is attached to a'wo'rm gear |35 by' which the sleeve is drlvemand is caused to rotate -75 pawl to advance a distance of one tooth with respect to the ratchet wheel |48. This movement.

as will be explained, compensates for a missing fastener element in the setting mechanism.

Further movement of the rod |14 causes the lever '|65 to pivot about its pivot |66 thereby re-l leasing the entire ratchet mechanism from the ratchet wheel N0 as shown in Fig. 30, and permitting the coil spring |59 to swing about the hollow shaft |55 in its original starting position.

For setting the starting position of the ratchet mechanism there is provided a pin |85 which is mounted in a ring |86. The ring is rotatably mounted in a suitable channel in the base plate |30 and maybe provided with an internal rack adapted to mesh with-a spur gear, not shown. which may be operated -by a suitable control shaft located in a. recess ISS-formed in the plate |30. Thisprovides means for rotating thefring |00 so as to locate the pin |05 as required. 'I'he .1 pin |08 is adapted' to engage a lip.|9l carried by the arm |56 forcontrolling'the position ofsaid arm. Them lll also carries a contact Int which is adapted to engage a fixed contact |92 when the arm A|56 has rotated tothe selected position. The xed contact |92 is carried upon a at spring |93 which is attached to an insulating piece I 94 carried by the base plate |30. The

contact |92 is adapted, when closed, to operate.4 relays to be described for interrupting the operation of the setting mechanism, for energizing the pull magnet to advance the tape, and for energizing a solenoid |96 which is adapted to respecified. A suitable scale |98 may be formed on the plate |30 to indicate the desired setting of the, 'pin |85. This scale may be graduated for example to indicate numbers of elements which are to be set during each operating cycle.

The control circuits for actuating'the above mentioned relays are illustrated in'Fig. 3. Referring to this figure, with the machine operating in a normal manner, the contacts I9I and |92 are open. and all of the relays are deenergized. When the arm |56 of the counting mechanism has advanced to a position to close the contacts I9| and |92 .a circuit is closed through the battery 200 to a battery relay and to a coil 202 of the lockout solenoid I8, The energization of the coil 202 causes movement of the plunger 94 which causes the pawl 9| to engage the shoulder 90 of the arm |10 when the arm is next brought to elevated position, thereby locking the arm in elevated position and preventing further operation of the setting mechanism until the lockout solenoid I8 is de-energized. Energization of the relay 20| closes contacts 203 which complete a circuit from a supply line 204, such as a 110 volt D. C. line, through a slow opening relay 205 having an electrical delay network such as resistance 2'06, rheostat 201, and a condenser 208 connected thereto in a manner to retard the opening of the relay 205 a predetermined -time after the contacts 203 have been opened,

The timing is controlled by adjustmentV of the rheostat 201 which controls the rate of discharge of the condenser 208. A relay of this type is capable of accurate adjustment and may be set to delay opening' by any desired interval after the energizing circuit has been broken.

- Energization of relay 205 causes contact 2|0 to close, thereby energizing a relay 2| I and causing the same to close contacts 2|2 which complete a 110 vo'lt circuit from the line 204 to the pull magnet I6. A battery 2|3, grounded as at 2|4, may be connected to the armature 2|5 of the relay 2| I tery circuit is established from battery 2|3 through the armature 2I5 and one side of the 110 volt line 204 to the countersolenoid |96 and to a holding coil 2|6 forming a part of the lockout solenoid I8. Completion of the 110 volt circuit causes the pull magnet I6 to operate for advancing` the tape. It also causes the countersolenoid |96 to operate, thereby elevating the rod |14, releasing the ratchet mechanism and permitting the arm |56 to be returned by the spring |59 to noid I8 'until the arm |56 has had an opportunity to return to its starting position. This is accomplished by the slow opening relay 205 which holds the contact 2I0 closed and consequently holds the circuit to the countersolenoid |96 and the pull magnet I6 an interval of time determined by the position of vthe rheostat 201 described above. During the time, however, the coil 202 of the lockout solenoid I8 is de-energized, consequently in order to prevent operation of the setting mechanism the holding circuit is established through the -holding coil 2|6 from the contact 2|2 and battery 2|3. This coil 2|6 will remain energized as long 'as the contacts 2|2 are closed thereby preventing the setting mechanism from resuming operation. When a sufiicient interval has elapsed to permit the arm |56 to return to its initial position the relay 205 releases, thereby releasing conso that when the contacts 2|2 are closed a battact 2|2 and opening all of the circuits described above. The pull of the'tape is thus stopped, the counter mechanism is again rendered operative and the setting operations are resumed.

In the event that a fastener element is not picked up by the :linger 6 during any working stroke, the arm 10 moves an additional distance suicient to close the contacts 88 and 89. This momentarily completes the circuit through a battery 220 to the countersolenoid |96 causing a movement of the rod |1I suiiicient to advance the ratchet mechanism a distance of one tooth about the ratchet wheel |48. This distance is so regulated that the arm |56 remains stationary and the wheel |48 is permitted to rotate with respect thereto. This operation is repeated at each stroke of the setting mechanism in which no fastener element is engaged by' the linger 6. When such an element is again picked up, contacts and 89 remain open, pawl |61 again locks against the wheel |48, and arm |56 again advances as long as fastener elements are being set.

It will be noted that the above described mechanism alternately operates to feed, set and clamp the fastener elements in position on a tape without manual attention as long as operating power is supplied. The orienting mechanism serves to pick the elements out of a hopper, to orient the same, to supply them to a feeding mechanism which discards any elements which are improperly fed and supplies the others to the setting device. The setting device alternately picks out successive fastener,elements from the feed chute 4 and sets them in position on a tape. The clamping mechanism lthen accurately spaces the elements and clamps them in position on the tape. After this the tape is automatically fed to a suitable position for receiving the next successive element. y

The counting mechanism alternately controls the device so asn-to advance the tape between groups of elements and automatically compensates for any working stroke of the setting mechanismA during which a fastener element is not present therein. The entire operation is efficient and continuous and requires a minimum amountV of attention. If any elements are not properly fed to the feed chute, the positioning'bar I4| may be moved by means of the hand lever 56 so as to permit them -to be manually removed.

The embodiment of the invention disclosed is capable of accomplishing the purposes above set forth in an efficient and commercially practical manner. It is evi-dent, however, that the details may be varied by persons skilled in the art and that various modications and `substitutions may be made. The embodiment disclosed vis in-4 tended merely as an illustration and not as a limitation on the scope of the invention. The ine on a tape, means to clamp said elements to said.

tape, means to feed the tape between successive setting operations, counting means adapted to count the elements so set and to alter the feed after a predetermined number of elements have been set, and means to render said counting Y means inoperative when an element is missing from said setting mechanism.

2. In a machine for setting fastener elements and the like, a setting mechanism adapted to set said elements on a tape, means to feed said elements to said setting mechanism, stepwise tape feed mechanism for spacing successive fastener elements in a group, a pull mechanism adapted to advance said tape to provide extra spacing between groups of elements, a counting mechanism adapted to count the number of elements which have been set, and a control circuit actuated by said counting mechanism after a predetermined number of elements have been set, said control circuit being adapted to interrupt said setting mechanism and to actuate said pull mechanism for advancing the tape so as to provide a space between groups of elements, and timed means associated with said control circuit to stop said pull mechanism and to render said setting mechanism operative after a predetermined interval of time.

3. In a machine for setting fastener elements and the like, a setting mechanism adapted to set said elements on a tape, means for feeding said elements to said setting mechanism, stepwise tape feed mechanism for spacing successive fastener elements in a group, a counting mechanism adapted to count the number of elements set, pull mechanism adapted to advance said tape, an electric control circuit adapted to control the operation of said pull mechanism, a second control circuit adapted when energized to interrupt the operation of said setting mechanism, a third control circuit adapted to restore said counting mechanism to its initial position, a relay energized by said counting mechanism after a predetermined number of elements have been set, said relay being adapted to be de-energized when said counting mechanism is being returned 'to its initial position, and holding means to hold said control circuit in energized condition a length of time suicient to permit the counting mechanism to be restored to initial position and to permit the tape to be advanced a given amount prior to the lnext setting operation.

4. In a machine for setting fastener elements and the like having projecting headsl and tape.

gripping jaws, setting mechanism adapted to set elements in spaced position on a tape, a supply hopper for said elements, orienting means for orienting elements in said hopper, feed means for feeding oriented elements from said hopper to said setting mechanism, said feed means comprising a screw conveyor having helical grooves adapted to receive the heads of said elements and a guide bar extending axially of said conveyor and positioned with respect thereto so as to cause elements to be carried along by said conveyor lments in said hopper, feed means for feeding oriented elements from said hopper to said setting mechanism, said feed means comprising a screw conveyor having helical grooves adapted to receive the heads of said elements and a guide bar extending axially of said conveyor, saidv guide bar being so positioned with respect thereto as to cause the elements to -be carried along by said conveyor with their heads in said helical grooves, a feed chute adapted to receive said elements from the discharge end of said conveyor and to feed same to said setting mechanism, and means for moving said guide bar axially of said screw conveyor to provide access for permitting improperly fed elements to be manually removed.

6. In a machine for setting fastener elements and -the like having projecting heads, setting mechanism adapted to set elements in spaced position on a tape, a supply hopper for said elements, orienting means for orienting elements in said hopper and feed means for feeding oriented elements from said hopper to said setting mechanism, said feed means comprising a screw conveyor having helical grooves adapted to receive the heads of said elementsand a guide bar extending axially of said conveyor, said guide bar being so positioned with respect thereto as to cause the elements to be carried along by said conveyor with their heads in said helical grooves, a feed chute adapted to receive said elements from the discharge end o f said conveyor and to feed same to said setting mechanism, said screw conveyor having an additional helical groove extending over a portion of its length and of sufiicient size to permit any elements which are improperly positioned tolpass said guide bar and to be discharged from said screw conveyor.

7. In a machine for setting fastener elements and the like having projecting heads, setting mechanism adapted to set elements in spaced position on a tape, a supply hopper for said elements, orienting means for orienting elements in said hopper and feed means for feeding oriented elements from said hopper to said setting mecha-y nism, said feed means comprising a screw conveyor having helical grooves Iadaptedto receive the head's of said'elements and aguide bar extending axially of said conveyor, said guide bar being so positioned with respect thereto as to cause the elements to be carried along by said conveyor with their heads in said helical grooves,

a feed chute adapted to receive said 4elements from the discharge end of said conveyor and to feed .same to said setting mechanism, said guide bar having a recess which is adapted to be positioned opposite the discharge end of said conveyor in response to manual movement of said guide bar,'said recess affording clearance to permit improperlyfed elements to be manually removed from the top of said feed chute, and a plate carried by said guide ,bar adapted to cover the upper part of said chute, said plate being adapted to be removed from said feed chute to `expose the elements therein in response to axial movement of said guide bar,

8. In a machine for setting fastener elementson a tape, a setting mechanism, orienting means adapted to supply elements to the setting mechanism through a feed chute, a spring linger adapted vnormally to prevent passage of said elements to said setting mechanism, the .setting mechanism comprising a spring pressed reciprocating nger adapted to engage the lower el'ement in the feed chute and forcibly push it past said spring finger, va lever for reciprocating the setting nger, a cam for operating said lever upwardly and a spring for operating it downwardly,`

said setting linger adapted to rest on the head of each element set on the tape and said spring acting on said lever urging said rfinger to a lower position when an element is not operatively engaged thereby, and 'control devices for controlling the spacing of the elements on the tape dependent on the extent of the downward move- .ment of the setting finger.

9. In a machine for setting fastener elements and the like, a setting mechanism, a feed chute adapted to feed-elements thereto, a spring. finger located at the lower part of said chute and adapted to normally prevent passage of elements to said setting mechanism. said seti ting mechanism comprising a :linger adapted to press said elements and to cause same to clamp said tape, and a presser foot adapted to engage the element last set and to move same with the tape a predetermined amount, whereby the'tape is automatically fed into position forreceiving the next element.

` 13. In a machine for setting fastener elements and the like on a tape, means to feed and set said elements -in predetermined spaced relationship lon said tape, clamping means adapted to clamp the clamping operation.

14. 'In a machine for setting fastener elements and the like on a tape, means to automatically feed and set said elements and means to advance engage the lower element and to forcibly push the v same past said spring finger into setting position,

means to retract said setting finger from said elements'during its upward stroke, a rreciprocating carriage carrying said setting finger, means whereby said carriage moves an additional dis-- l tance when no fastener element is operatively engaged by said setting finger, means responsive to said additional movement to actuate a control circuit, and remote control means adapted to lock said carriage in its upper position for interrupting the operation of said setting mechanism.

` l0. In a machine for setting fastener elements and the like on a tape, means to feed and set said elements in predetermined spaced relationship on said tape, means to advance said tape for spacing between elements, clamping means adapted to clamp said elements on said tape comprising a pair of rolls oppositely disposedwith` respect to said elements and mounted at right angles to said tape, said rollers having cam surfaces extending lengthwise of the legs of said elements and movable against said legs in such lengthwise direction when said rollers are rotated to com` press said legs on said tape.

11. In a machine for setting fastener elements and the like on a tape, means to feed and set said elements in predetermined spaced relationship on said tape, clamping means adapted to clamp said elements thereto, said clamping means comprising a pair of rolls oppositely disposed with respect to said elements and having cams adapted to engage opposite sides thereof, said cams heini! adapted when rotated to compress said elements and to cause same`to clamp said tape, and positioning flanges carried by said rolls to enter between the last two elements for accurately spacing the same prior to the clamping operation. 12. In a machine for setting fastener elements said tape a greater distance than the usual spacing between adjacent elements on the tape, said means comprising a continuously rotating roller, an idler roller mounted opposite thereto, a pin.

means for eccentrically mounting said idlerv roller on said pin and means for rotating said pinto cause said idler roller to press said tape against said first roller, whereby said tape is advanced to provide gap spaces between successive fastener, lengths.

15. In a machine for setting fastener elements and the like on a tape, means to automatically feed and set said elements, and counting mechanism associated therewith adapted to count the elements so set, said counting mechanism comprising a ratchet wheel having teeth, an arm movable about an axis concentric with said wheel and carrying a pawl normally locked against said teeth, whereby said arm and said ratchet wheel move as a unit, spring means for -restoring said arm to its initial position, and means operable when said arm is rotated apredetermined distance to release said pawl for permitting said arm to be reset by said spring means.

16. In a machine for 'setting fastener elements and the like on atape, means to automatically feed Vand set said elements and cdunting mechanism associated therewith adapted to count the elements so set, saidcounting mechanism comprising a ratchet wheel having teeth corresponding to the elements to be set, an arm movable about an axis concentric with said wheel and carrying a pawl normally lockedagainst said teeth whereby said arm and said ratchet wheel move as a unit, an adjustable stop adapted to determine the initial position of said arm, means f said pawl is thus released. and means responsive and the like on a tape, means to feed and set said elements in predetermined spaced relationship 'on vsaid tape, clamping means adapted to clamp said elements thereto, said clamping means comprising a pair of rolls oppositely disposed with respect to said elements and having I cams adapted to engage opposite sides thereof, said cams being adapted when rotated to comto the absence of a fastener element in the setting mechanism to cause a movement of said pawl adapted to permit said ratchet wheel to advance andistance of one tooth in respect to said arm, whereby said counting `mechanism isv 

